A NOBEL Peace Prize winner is set to address Winchester students on the conflict between security and human rights at the launch of an education programme.

Jody Williams will open the city’s first PeaceJam conference set to be held between March 6-8 at the university.

The American activist received the international peace prize in 1997 for her work towards banning landmines and clearing minefields across the world.

PeaceJam is a global programme which uses Nobel laureates to nurture active citizenship, peace, justice and human rights among teenagers.

The Winchester branch opened as a UK hub last year.

Over the weekend pupils from local schools, including Westgate and Henry Beaufort, will take part in volunteering projects encouraging social responsibility, organised by groups including Walk for Water and Disaster Relief.

On Sunday, March 8, students and professionals will run workshops including yoga, poetry and drama.

Ms Williams’ lecture, entitled Finding the Balance: Security and Human Rights in the Contemporary World, starts at 7.15pm after a 6.30pm reception.

It will be followed by a Q&A session and book signing.

Tickets for the weekend are free for students and cost £10 for adults.

To get involved contact Winchester@peacejam.org.